Proper Chicken Run Material - Ask Extension
Hello,
I am wondering what to use on the ground of our chicken run in the winter months when it gets muddy?
We have access to a lot of pine wood-...
Knowledgebase
Proper Chicken Run Material #816700
Asked November 19, 2022, 2:45 PM EST
Hello,
I am wondering what to use on the ground of our chicken run in the winter months when it gets muddy?
We have access to a lot of pine wood-chips but have heard that this may be toxic to chickens. Is this known to be true? We normally use straw but would like to know if pine or ANY type of wood chip is suitable for a chicken run as this is a more financially feasible option for us.
We have about 20 hens and live in an area that gets a lot of rain in the winter.
Humboldt County California
Expert Response
Great question. If you are using the pine wood chips/shavings, they are best for poultry because they have been kiln dried. The problem exists with other wood chips that they can carry fungus and molds that can impact poultry as well as produce gaseous emissions that are harmful to poultry.
I would recommend that you consider putting down a gravel base if possible to help eliminate some of the water producing the mud. wood shavings, straw, cut grass would all be alternatives that you could use allowing for the moisture to be absorbed reducing the amount of mud in the chicken run.
